Families that homeschool their children often ask how they should position their children for success in the college application process when it is structured around a traditional high school education. Families should maximize the flexibility of a nontraditional education by encouraging their children to pursue their passions and finding opportunities for their children demonstrate excellence in them.

Admissions officers may not know how to assess a home schooled applicant’s academic performance. Use easy to identify benchmarks like standardized tests to put a homeschooled child’s academic performance into context. SAT II and AP subject test scores can demonstrate achievement in areas of study and allow an admissions officer to assess an applicant’s performance relative to applicants who attended a traditional high school. ​ In addition to demonstrating academic performance, parents that homeschool their children should also find opportunities for their children to showcase their skills in high value niche areas that their children are passionate about. Consider competitive sports programs that are not affiliated with high schools like rowing or squash clubs. In addition to athletics, families could consider writing competitions, debate tournaments, and arts performances to a showcase an applicant’s talents and demonstrate value to a college admissions officer.